Monte Bernardi Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG

Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG from Monte Bernardi

A Sangiovese Riserva with a "lightning" touch

The Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG is an elegant, full-bodied red wine, typical of the Chianti Classico, made from 95% Sangiovese and 5% Canaiolo. The Sangiovese grapes for this Riserva come from old Monte Bernardi vineyards and give the wine more structure, complexity and ageing potential. The vines, which are more than 50 years old, grow on soil rich in schist (Galestro) and limestone (Alberese). After natural alcoholic fermentation, which takes place in a combination of oak barrels and stainless steel tanks, the wine is transferred to oak barrels where malolactic fermentation takes place. The Riserva then remains in oak for at least 24 months, followed by 12 months of bottle ageing. The result is a fruity, aromatic wine, typical of Sangiovese, with a fine, soft tannin structure around which cherry, sour cherry and berry aromas entwine. A wine that promises drinking pleasure right from the start, but which also richly rewards the previous waiting time with increasing age. The ruby red, which is also available in a 1.5-liter version, can easily withstand 12 to 15 years in the bottle. 

Monte Bernardi winery: Tuscan tradition meets international innovation

At Monte Bernardi, a winery in Panzano in Chianti, owned by German-American Michael Schmelzer, there are roughly two styles of wine: on the one hand, the traditional red wines of the Chianti Classico appellation, which lies between Florence and Siena, made from the autochthonous Sangiovese and Canaiolo grape varieties: These include the Retromarcia Chianti Classico, the Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG and the Chianti Classico Riserva called Sa'etta, which comes from the single vineyard of the same name. On the other hand, Michael Schmelzer also skilfully presses red wines from international grape varieties with a strong regional character: for example, the super Tuscan Tzingana and its "little brother", the Tzinganella, both of which are made from the Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot grape varieties. Or the Monte Bernardi Rosé, which is a fabulous companion throughout the summer. These wines could be described as international innovation meets regional tradition.

Biodynamic viticulture in the heart of Chianti Classico

The Monte Bernardi winery has 53 hectares of land, 15 of which are planted with vines, some of which are over 50 years old. Michael Schmelzer's vines grow on a perfect south-facing slope at an altitude of between 400 and 500 meters. The surrounding forests and the immediate proximity to the River Pesa ensure an ideal microclimate. The soil here is very stony and consists of slate (Galestro), sandstone (Arenaria-Calcare-Pietraforte) or limestone (Alberese), depending on the location - but the plants like that. It is not for nothing that these hills south of Panzano in Chianti are known as the "Grand Cru" of Chianti Classico. Since 2004, biodynamic viticulture has been practiced at Monte Bernardi according to the principles of Rudolf Steiner. This is the only way to achieve the best quality and harmony between the vineyard and the environment.

The revival of Sangiovese

If you follow the national road SS 222, the Chiantigiana, which connects Florence and Siena, you will inevitably come to the Monte Bernardi winery near Panzano in Chianti. And from the wine critics' point of view, there is no getting around Monte Bernardi: Numerous national and international awards, the best ratings in wine guides and specialist magazines speak for themselves. Michael Schmelzer has been the owner of the Monte Bernardi winery in Panzano in Chianti since 2003. Having devoted himself entirely to the revival of the Sangiovese grape and the return to old techniques and processing traditions, he is sometimes referred to here as "Mr. Sangiovese". Michael is a master in handling this indigenous Italian flagship variety. And this despite - or perhaps because - he was born and raised in the USA and studied oenology in Australia. He now also has Sangiovese and Tuscany in his blood.

In Italy, in the region Tuscany, in the region Chianti Classico, in Panzano in Chianti

Schmelzer family

Michael Schmelzer

15 ha of which around 11 ha are classified as Chianti Classico

Galestro, Alberese, Arenaria-Calcare-Pietraforte

South

300 - 400 meters above sea level.

3,000 (old systems) - 5,000 vines per ha

Cordon